SAINT PAUL (Feb. 26, 2024) – Small business owners are responding to a suite of proposals that would fundamentally alter antitrust law in Minnesota. The Minnesota Attorney General and lawmakers held a press conference today at 10:30 am to push a trio of bills.

The proposals are HF 1563/SF 1744, HF 398/SF 1069, and HF 399/SF 1070. Collectively, these bills convey new governmental powers to set prices during ordinary market conditions and to investigate small businesses for common business practices that are both pro-competition and pro-consumer. The proposals contain concepts not found in American antitrust law, including an “abuse of dominance” standard taken from European Union market regulations.

“These proposals would stifle growth and innovation by treating small town gas stations, hotels, grocery stores, movie theaters, and every other local job creator the same as a giant monopolistic corporation,” said John Reynolds, NFIB Minnesota State Director. “Small businesses want a competitive, fair, and level playing field. They do not want government regulators looking over their shoulder during every ordinary business decision. NFIB urges lawmakers to focus on practical and commonsense solutions for Main Street in the mold of the bipartisan American Innovation and Online Choice Act, sponsored by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.”

Read more about NFIB’s support for the bipartisan American Innovation and Online Choice Act HERE.